Permutation keyboard mechanism



Feb. 18, 1941. B. MARCELLUS mumm xmaomp uncnmsu Filed April 1l,' 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Broo/(a Marcel/u.)

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ATTORNEYS Feb. 18, 1941. a. MARCELLUS PERMUTA'IION KEYBOARD MECHANISM Filed April 11, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Brno/f6 Marcel/us ATTORNEYS Feb. 18,1941. MM'QCELL S 2,232,167

I PERMU'I'ATION KEYBOARD MECHANISM Filed April 11, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR Brag/f6 Marcel/us A'ITORNEYS Feb. 18, 1941.. B. MARCELLUS PERMUTATION KEYBOARD MECHANISM 4 Shets-Sheet 4 Filed April 11, 1938 INVENTOR Brae/fa Marce/Ms 'ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 18, 1941 'ATENT OFFlCE Brooks Marlins Rockford, lit, assignor, by

means -g'nments, to her-Colman Company, Rockford, 111., a corporation of Illinois 1 v Application April 11, 1938, Serial No. 201,305

53. Clo.

- The invention relates to permutation keyboard mechanisms suitable for use with power driven cyclically operable machines such as composing machines, typewriters, printers, periorators, telegraph transmitters and the like.

The general object of the invention is to provide an improved keyboard mechanism of the above character which is adapted to function accurately when operated at the highest speeds attainable by a skilled operator.

Another object is to provide an improved permutation keyboard mechanism adapted to efiect its selecting and controlling functions positively and accurately regardless of the manner in which the keys are struck.

Another object is to provide novel means for preventing premature release of the selecting mechanism after the operating cycle of the ma chine has been initiated and for preventing reoperation of the selecting mechanism before com pletion of the cycle. v

Still another object is to provide a novel cyclecontrolling mechanism adapted to positively limit the machine to a single operating cycle in response to each key actuation even though the key is held either fully. or partially depressm for an abnormal length of time.

A further object is tolighten the touch of the keyboard to adapt the machine for operating at Y higher speeds.

A still further object is to provide improved a the minimum necessary to trip a light-weight latch pawl.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments lllus= trated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a side elevation partly in section of a permutation keyd mechanism. embodying the features of the invention.

. a manual keyboard hereinafter.

clutch and control means for efiecting cyclic operation of the mechanism.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a modified form of the improved permutation keyboard mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a. detail view of the latch means employed in the mechanism shown in Fig. 8.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I have shown in the drawings and will herein de- 10 scribe in detail a preferred embodiment and oi the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

' i In Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive. the improved permutation keyboard mechanism comprising generally I0, permutation selector mechanism M and control means 52 for controlling cyclic operation of the machine is shown as applied to a. storing transmitter similar to that disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Howard D. Colman, Serial No. 201,293. In this embodiment, the mechanism is utilized to select and record permutational code signals on a. suitable storage medium, which signals are ultimately transmitted as electrical impulses.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1, the storing transmitter comprises generally a. base or frame it at the forward end of which is mounted the keyboard it, the selector mechanism H and the control means 12, to be described in detail Supported on ,the frame it in the rear of the selector mechanism is a signal storing medium in the form of a flexible chain consisting of elongated links it each of which has a row of endwise shiftable pins i5 disposed transversely of the chain. The chain is supported on a car it for longitudinal movement whereby the links it are advanced in succession through a recording position in which the pins 65 are set in permutational combinations representative of selected signals by means of recording elements in the form of pin pushers ll operated selectively under control of the keyboard it through the medium of the selector mechanism Ii.

As herein shown, the selector mechanism it comprises a series of permutation elements in the form of shiftable bars 2! and cooperating control members or-flags 22. The bars and members are suitably notched so that each control member when operated is eifective to selectively block or v lustrated, five permutation bars are provided.

These are supported for endwise sliding movement by a comb 23 rigidly mounted on the frame of the machine.

Each permutation bar 2| is operatively connected with one of the pin pushers I! which are disposed in parallel relation to the permutation bars and supported by a suitable comb 24 for movement toward and from the pins I5 of the storage chain link at the recording position. Preferably, the connection between a bar and its associated pusher is provided by a rock shaft 25 having rigidly attached arms 26 and 21 engaging in notches 28 and 29 formed in the bar and pusher, respectively.

-. Coiled tension springs 36 acting on the levers 21 tend to rock the shafts 25 and thereby shift the pushers and permutation bars to the, left as viewed in Fig. 3. Such movement is normally prevented by a detent 3i positioned to engage suitable stops 32 on the permutation bars. Upon withdrawal of the detent, the bars are released to the control of an operated flag 22 which determines the particular bar or bars to be shifted by the springs 30.

As herein shown, the flags 22 are formed integrally with or suitably secured to an upstanding arm 34 of a generally L-shaped control member (Fig. 1) pivoted intermediate its ends on a rod 35 extending transversely of the frame i3 at the rear of the keyboard. A second arm 36 formed integral with the first mentioned arm is arranged to project forwardly in a substantially horizontal position. The flags 22 are normally held against a fixed stop 31 (Fig. 1) in nonblocking relation to the permutation bars by individual tension springs 38. These springs are preferably connected between the arm 36 and a rod 39 supported on projecting arms 46 fast on a rock shaft 6|. When the shaft is rocked, the tension of the springs is increased or decreased, thereby regulating the force required to move the flags into operated position.

Movement of the flags is effected by means of finger keys 44 of the keyboard. The keys may be conveniently arranged in parallel rows characteristic of typewriters, and each key is carried on the end of a horizontally disposed key lever 45 pivoted adjacent its rear end on the rod 35. One key lever is provided for each control member and is positioned so as to lie substantially parallel to and closely adjacent the arm 36 of the associated member. The; key levers are normally held in raised position against a stop 46 by individual tension springs 41? connecting between the key lever and a rod 41 supported for movement toward or-from the key levers by arms 48 fast on a rock shaft 49. Thus by rocking the shaft 49, the tension of the springs may be increased or decreased as desired, to adjust the touch of the keyboard to the requirements of the individual operator.

Depression of a key 44 serves to rock the associated control member about. its pivot and thus shift the flag 22 forwardly to selectively block the permutation bars 2|. To this end, a one-way connection between the key lever and the control member is provided by a bent-over lug 50 on the key lever which is adapted to overlie the end of the arm 36 of the member. The one-way connection thus provided permits the key lever to return to normal position while the associated flag remains locked in operated position. Moreover, this connection insures proper response of the selector mechanism regardless of the manner in which a key is struck, since the inertia of the control member is effective to carry the flag 22 through a full stroke even though the key is struck a quick or glancing blow. Clipping or recording of false signals is thus effectively prevented. Accordingly, less care as to the mechanical actuation of the keys is required on the part of the operator who is thus enabled to work at higher speed without danger of introducing errors into the composition.

In the machine herein disclosed, an operating cycle is effected by a single revolution of a power actuated start-stop shaft 5| (Fig. 7) driven through a suitable clutch 52. The shaft, in addition to performing numerous functions with which the present invention is not concerned, is arranged to operate suitable means for restoring the permutation bars 2| to normal position upon completion of the operating cycle.

The means for returning the permutation bars to,normal position in its preferred form comprises a crank arm 53 (Fig. 7) fast on the shaft 5! and connected by a link 54 with a crank arm 55 fast on a rock shaft 56. The rock shaft carries a pair of upstanding arms 5'! between [which is pivoted a square bar 58 which underlies the pushers i1 and constitutes a bail engageabie with the forward edges of lugs 59 (Fig. 3) depending from the respective pushers. When the start-stop shaft 5| is in the normal rest position shown in Fig. 7, the bail is held in the forward position so that the pushers and associated permutation bars are free to move forwardly under the action of the springs 30 when selectively released by the flags 22. As the shaft 5! turns through the first half of its revolution, the shaft 56 is rocked in a clockwise direction and the bail 56 operates to retract any of the pushers H and permutation bars 2| which may be in advanced position. Continued rotation of the shaft 55 returns the bail to rest position, the pushers and permutation bars remaining in retracted position, however, due to the action of the detent 3i.

The clutch 52 for driving the start-stop shaft may be of any suitable type and as herein shown comprises a driven member 66 connected to one end of the shaft 6! by a suitable spline coupling member 6| arranged to permit limited endwise movement of the member. A driving member 62 in the form of a sleeve encircling one end of the member is suitably Journaled on the frame 01' the machine and adapted to be rotated continuously through the medium of a gear 63 rigid with the sleeve. One face of the gear 63 is recessed to receive a disk-shaped enlargement 64 formed on the member 60, the inner surface 01' the gear being lined with a suitable friction band 65 engaging the periphery of .the disk 64 As will be seen by reference to Fig. 7, the ooacting surfaces of the disk 64 and band 65 are inclined relative to the axis of the member 60 so that the clutch may be engaged and disengaged by shifting the driven member 66 longitudinally of the driving member 62.

Suitable actuating mechanism is provided for shifting the driven member 62 to engage or disengage the clutch. As shown in Fig. "I, the actuating mechanism comprises a sleeve 66 threaded onto the member 60 and bearing at one end against a plate 61 on the adjacent end of the driving. member 62. The plate 61 is adjustably supported by an annulus 68 threaded onto the member 62 whereby relative spacing of the parts may be quickly and easily adjusted as required. A coiled spring 89 anchored at one end to a sleeve 10 keyed to the member 80 and at the other end 5 to the sleeve 6d tends to rotate the latter sleeve in a clockwise" direction as viewed in Fig. 7. Since the sleeve bears against the plate 67, its rotation is efiective to shift the member 60 to the right and thus move the disk 64 into clutch enlo gaging position.

Disengagement of the clutch is eflected by interposing a stop 72 in the .path of a finger 13 last on the sleeve 66. The motion of the sleeve is thus arrested, but the driven parts continue to move 15 under their own momentum and, in turningv through a fraction of a revolution against'the action of the spring to. retract the sleeve 68 and driven member to to disengage the clutch. The parts are held in this position until the stop 12 is so withdrawn from the path oi the finger It in the,

next operating cycle. As herein shown, the stop it is in the form of a forwardly projecting lug on a crank arm 84 last on a rock shaft 15 which is disposed transversely 25 of the start-stop shaft 55. The stop may thus be moved into or out of the path oi the clutch finger by rocking the shaft.

In order to positively limit the movement oi the start-stop shaft to a single revolution in each operating cycle, a second lug it on the crank arm it is formed with its upper blocking surface disposed above and at one side of the stop id. The stop and lug are spaced apart slightly less than the width of the clutch finger it so that one or sit the other is always interposed in the path of the finger as the crank arm It is rocked between its limit positions. Thus, when the crank arm is in operated position, the stop 12 is moved out of blocking relation to the finger while the lug i8 is w interposed in the path oi. the finger. However,

the relative positioning of the stop and lug permits the finger to execute a complete revolution before encountering the lug it which then acts to interrupt the movement of the finger. Upon reis turn of the crank arm it to normal position. the clutch finger slips over the lug to and engages the stop l2. Preferably, the cooperating suriaces of the clutch finger and lug l8 are inclined so that the pressure of the finger on the lug operates to 50 rock the crank arm back to normal position.

Novel means is provided whereby the ener stored in the clutch spring in one operating cycle is utilized to move the stop it out ed the path of the clutch finger to initiate the #1. r cycle. as To this end, the cooperating surfaces of the clutch finger l3 and the stop ii are inclined so that the clutch finger in tending to rotate under the in= fluence of the spring 8% acts to rock the. shaft T5 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. no '7, and thus move the stop out of blocking posi-- tion. Movement of the shaft to is controlled by a clutch release arm ll fast on the shaft and cooperating with a detent 7h (Fig. 3) in the form of a lever pivoted on a pin is for moveent into or out c of the path of the arm. A spring W acting on the detent normally holds it in engagementwith the arm so that the stop E2 is held in clutch disengaging position against the action or the spring 6?). Withdrawal of the detent to release the clutch arm El and thereby engaget-he clutch is efiected by the. keyboard--actuatedclutch control means It as will appear presently.

The provision of power actuated means for shifting the clutch release arm results in a sub- 75 stantial decrease in the amount of force re-= quired to actuate the keys. This reduces operator fatigue and iacilitates high speed operation of the machine.

The action of the clutch spring 69 is also utillzed tor withdrawing the detent 3| to release the 6 permutation bars 2! to the control of the flags 22. To this end, an arm80 (Fig. 3), which may be an integral extension of the clutch release arm ll, ls-connected by a link at with a crank arm 82 fast on the end of a rock shaft 83 which carries the detent 3|. A spring 86 acting on the arm 82 1 tends to hold the detent in blocking relation to to the permutation bars. However, the pressure exerted by the clutch spring 69 on the stop l2is sumclent to rock the shaft 83 against the tension of the spring 86 and thus lift the detent out of engagement with the stops 3? when the latch 78 is moved out of blocking relation to the clutch release arm.

To obtain the high degreeof accuracy required in machines of the type with which the presentpermutation keyboard mechanism is designed to be used, it is essential to effect engagement of the clutch and to release the permutation bars in proper timed relation to the operation of the control members or flags. Moreover, to avoid.

false signal or character selection such as clipping, the clutch must not be engaged unless'the selector mechanism is in condition to carry out its selecting function. Accordingly, in order to 39 insure proper operation of the various mechanisms under widely varying operating conditions I provide novel control 'means utilizing the forward movement of the control members or flags to engage the clutch and release the permutation 3.: bars, the arrangement being such that the clutch is engaged and the bars are released only in the event that a dag 22 is advanced to its full operated position in response to the action of its key. Thus, when the key is struckwith insufdo flcient force to move its fiag through a full stroke, no operating. cycle takes place, and hence no false signal selection occurs.

In its preferred form, the clutch control means comprises a control bar 85 slidably supported for as endwise movement in the permutation bar supporting comb 23. An upstanding lug ilii on the bar is positioned for engagement with the end of thedetentit whereby the detent is rocked on its pivot and thus withdrawn from the path of so the clutch release arm it upon movement of the control bar to the left, as viewed in Fig. 3.

Movement of the control her 85 is effected by suitable means, such as a spring dl, secured between a lug do on the control bar and a stationary bracket as (Figs. 4 and 5) on the frame of the machine. The spring tends to move the bar to clutch releasing position which movement is normally prevented by a pawl til preferably in the form. of an elongated flat spring supno ported at one end on the bracket 89 and having its free and disposed in the path of a forwardly extending projection hi on the lug tit. Thus, the control bar may be released to the action of itsspring by simply depressing the spring pawl so.

Means is provided for removing the pawl 9d out of blocking position whenever a key is struck with :sufiicient force to move the flag 22 into the full operated position shown in broken lines in Fig. 1. In its preferred form, this means cornprises a light bail '92 extending transversely across and in front of the group of flags 22. The bail is supported (Fig. 3) by depending arms 93 on a rock shaft N which has a horizontally ing parts of light-weight construction which can be done readily in the present instance since the control elements are not required to transmit large forces.

Means is also provided to prevent repetition of the cyclic operation of the start-stop shaft,

BI and the associated mechanism in the event that a key is held either fully or partially depressed for an abnormal "length of time. In its preferred form, this means comprises an auxiliary pawl 95 (Figs. 3 to 6) in the form of a flat spring supported on the bracket 09 above the pawl 90 and extending substantially parallel thereto. The pawl 96 is somewhat longer than the pawl 99 and arranged to project slightly in advance of the first mentioned pawl to form an escapement whereby a single cycle of operation is invariably obtained regardless. of the length of time a key is held depressed.

' The pawl 96 normally rests on the finger 95 which holds it in a raised position out of the path of the projection Sir When the shaft 94 is rocked to release the pawl 96, the support of the finger is withdrawn and the free end of the auxiliary pawl follows until it rests on the projection 99 while the control bar is in an advanced position. At the end of each operating cycle, the control bar is retracted slightly beyond the end of the auxiliary pawl, thereby permitting the pawl to move into the path of the projection M as shown in Fig. 5. This, of course, occurs only when the key which initiated the operating cycle is held either fully or partially depressed so that the finger 95 is held in its lower position; In such case, the auxiliary pawl acts as a latch to hold the control bar in retracted position and thus prevent reoperation of the detent I8 which is moved by its associated spring 19 into blocking relation to the clutch release arm I1 upon the retraction of the control bar. In this way further operation of the start-stop shaft is prevented until a succeeding key is operated in the usualway.

Upon release of the depressed key, the finger 95 lifts the auxiliary pawl, thereby permitting thecontrol bar to move into engagement with thenormally operating pawl 90. A suitable stop 91 interposed between the two pawls defines their limit positions as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Return of the control bar 85 to retracted position at the end of the operating cycle is effected preferably by the same power driven means used to retract the permutation bars. To this end, a restoring bar 90 generally similar in form to the pushers I1 is mounted in the same frame with the pushers for endwise sliding movement parallel thereto. The restoring bar is provided with a pair of depending lugs 90 (Fig. 7) adapted to straddle the ball 50 whereby the bar is moved positively in both directions in response to movement of the bail. Such positivemovement of the bar is advantageous in reducing the weight of the parts moved to initiatean operating cycle, as will appear presently. I

A one-way connection between the restoring bar 98 and control bar 00. f provided by a rock shaft I00 (Fig. 3) extending parallel-to the rock are disassociated from thecontrol bar and restored to rest position while the control bar re mains latched in retracted position. Thus, to

vinitiate an operating cycle, the spring 8'! is required to move only the control bar, and due to the light-weight construction of this bar, such movement is eii'ected at high speed and yet with a minimum ofshock.

The control bar 85 is further utilized as a means to prevent false signal recordation or selection either through premature withdrawal of the flag as when a key is struck a light or glancing blow which frequently occurs in high speed operation, or through the operation of a second flag before the completion of an operating cycle. To this end, the control bar is arranged so that in advanced position it is effective to hold an actuated flag in its forward position independently of the actuating key until the selective operation has been completed and to prevent the forward movement of the second flag before the end of the operating cycle. For this purpose, the control bar is formed with a plurality 'of notches Hi5- (Fig. 3) arranged in alinement with the flags 22 when the-bar is in retracted position. An upstanding lug I06 adjacent the forward end of each flag is positioned so as to pass through the corresponding notch I05 upon movement of the flag in response to the depression of its associated key.

When the control bar is released, the notches I135 are moved out of the path of the lugs I05 so that the flag which initiated the release of the bar is held in its advanced position until the control bar is retracted following the recordation of the signal. This arrangement insures that the flag will be held in operated position for the interval required to record or otherwise carry. out the signal selecting function, even though the key which initiated the operation is released immediately after being depressed or when the key is struck a relatively-light, quick blow. If the force applied to the key is sufficient to move the flag far enough to release the clutch 52 and initiate an operating cycle, the quick movement of the control bar insures its being held in operative position throughout the required portion of the operating cycle.

'As long as the control bar remains in its advanced position, the unnotched portion is disposed in the path of the lugs I 06 of the remaining flags which are thus prevented fromv moving forwardly to operative position in the event a second key is depressed before the operating cycle initiated by the previously depressed key is substantially completed. Thus, false signal selection or recordation is effectively prevented regardless of the manner in which the keys of the keyboard are actuated.

In the operation of the machine, the keys 44 are depressed one-by-one in accordance with the signal or character selection to be effected. It is immaterial whether a key is depressed slowly or struck a quick, sharp blow. As long the pawl 96 is effective to initiate the operating cycle of the machine. The force required to be exerted on a key for this purpose is thus reduced to the minimum necessary to trip the pawl.

Movement of the control bar 85 upon release is substantially instantaneous so that the operated flag is locked in advanced position and the remaining flags are blocked against movement without delay. At the same time, the control bar withdraws the detent I8 from engagement with the clutch-release arm TI whereupon the shaft I is rocked by the clutch spring 69 to move the stop I2 out of the path of the clutch finger I3. The clutch 52 is accordingly engaged and drives the start-stop shaft 5| until the finger "l3 encounters the lug I6. Due to the inclined coacting surfaces of the finger and the lug, the

crank arm It is rocked in a clockwise direction (Fig. '7) to bring the stop I2 into blocking relation to the finger. The clutch release arm I1 is accordingly returned to normal rest position and the detent I8 operates to hold it there. Thus, the clutch is disengaged and the rotation of the shaft 5| is interrupted at the end of one revolution whether or not the key is released.

Coincident with. the engagement of the clutch by the operation of the control bar and as a result of the rocking of the shaft I5 by the clutch spring 69, the detent 3| is withdrawn to release the permutation bars 2| for movement under control of the operated flag 22. Depend-- ing upon the particular flag operated, one or more of the permutation bars moves forward with the associated pin pushers II to effect the selective operation which, in this particular instance, comprises setting thepins I5 of the storage chain.

Rotation of the start-stop shaft 5| restores the permutation bars 2 I and control bar 85 to normal position, the latter releasing the detent I6 for movement by its spring 'IIIinto position to engage .the clutch release arm II when the arm is returned to normal position by the action of the clutch finger 13. In case the key which initiated the operating cycle is held depressed after the completion of such cycle, the control bar is latched in retracted position by the auxiliary pawl 96 so that repeated operation of the mechanism is prevented. When the key is released, the pawl 96 again assumes control of the bar 35 and the machine is ready for the succeeding operating cycle.

In Figs. 8 and 9, I have shown a modified form of permutation keyboard mechanism. Briefly, the keys when depressed control the operation of a permutation selector mechanism III initiate an'operating cycle of the machineby tripping a. friction clutch I|2.

In this form of the mechanism, the keyboard comprises a plurality of character keys II3, each mounted on a stem 4 which rests on one arm of a bell crank lever H5. The lever H5 is pivoted on a-horizontal shaft II5 and its other arm is operative through the mediumof a short abutment bar II6 to shift a codal element in the form of a notched bar or flag II,'|. Individual and tion bars carry out the selective functions of the machine in a well known manner.

The flags II! are extended to the rear of the machine into operative relation with means for tripping the clutch II2 to initiate the machine cycles. This means is of such character as to insure initiation of an operating cycle regardless of whether a key is depressed slowly or struck a quick, sharp blow. It is also arranged to positively limit the operation to a single cycle in response to the depression of any one key.

As shown in Fig, 8, the means for tripping the clutch comprises a series of segments I I3, one for each flag, operative upon'the depression of the associated key to actuate a bail I26 which in turn trips the clutch H2. The segments IE3 are mounted on a fixed horizontal shaft I2I and each has a depending finger H9 engaging in a notch in the associated flag. Thus, the segment swings forwardly upon rearward movement of the flag and against the action of a spring IZI.

The bail I26 is preferably in the form of an elongated bar of relatively light weight supported at spaced points by arms I26 on a rock shaft I 22 so as to underlie the segments H8 in forwardly offset relation to the shaft. Extending rearwardly from the rock shaft I22 is a finger I23 ment of the lever I26, which latter is thereby held against swinging motion under the influence of a spring I26. At its opposite or forward end, the lever is in the form of a bell crank having one arm operatively connected with a release bar I28 and another arm connected with a transversely disposed bar I30 which may be conveniently termed the locking bar. The bars I28 and I36 together perform the clutch releasing and locking functions of the control bar 85 previously described. To this end, the bar I36 has a plurality of notches I3I in its rear edge positioned to cooperate with forwardly project'- ing lugs I32 on the respective segments H3.

When a key is depressed, the associated seg-. ment H9 is swung downwardly and-its lug I32 passes through the corresponding notch I3I in the locking bar. In such movement, the segment engages the bail I26, rocking the shaft I22 and finger I23 and lifting the pawl I24, thereby freeing the lever I26 for movement by its spring I26". In thus tripping the pawl I24, the. lug I32 of the segment moves entirely through the notch I3I of the locking bar; The segment is cut away above the lug I32 to provide anotch I33 permitting movement of the locking bar by the spring actuated lever which imparts a corresponding movement to the release bar I28 for the purpose of tripping the clutch H2 and releasing the permutation bars. It will be apparent that the lockingbar when shifted by the lever I26 prevents return movement of the operated segment which in turn holds the associated flag. in advanced position. Further, the notches I3I are no longer alined with the lugs I32 so that movement of additional segments is prevented. Accordingly, depression of a second key prior to the completion of the operating cycle will be ineffective to cause a false operation of the mechanism.

The clutch II2 may be similar in all respects to the clutch 52 herein-before described. Briefly.

it comprises a driving element I35 and a driven element operatively connected with a start-stop shaft I36. The control element for this clutch is in the form of a finger I38 which, when blocked against rotation, holds the clutch disengaged in the manner hereinbefore described. As herein shown, the finger is blocked by. means of a detent formed by the upper end of a bar I39 bearing at its upper end against a roller I40 and connected at its lower end with one arm I of a bell crank whose other arm I42 is connected with the release bar I28.

Upon disengagement of the pawl I24 from the lever I26, the release bar is shifted rearwardly and through its connection with the detent I39 withdraws the same from engagement with the clutch finger I38, thus initiating an operating cycle. In the latter portion of such cycle, a cam I43 on the shaft I38 operates a follower I44 having a rigid arm I45 connected by means of a link I48 with a bell crank I41 pivoted at I40. The latter has a depending arm I49 which is swung I into engagement with the lever I28 to restore the clutch detent I39 to blocking relation with respect to the finger I38 and to return the lever into operative association with the pawl I24, assuming that the operator has released the depressed key so as to permit the pawl I24 to return to normal position. The extent of movement of the bell crank I41 by the cam I43 is such that in the event that the key is held in depressed position for an abnormal length of time and the pawl I24 held in a raised position, the lower pawl I25 will move into blocking relation to the lever as shown in Fig. 9.

Summarizing briefly, upon the depression of a given key, the corresponding segment H3 is swung far enough to actuate the bail I20 and trip the clutch H2. The clutch drives the start-stop shaft I36 and in the latter portion of the operating cycle the detent I39 is restored to a position to engage'the clutch finger l 38 so as to terminate the cycle. The permutation bars II3 are also restored to normal by means of a bail I49 adapted to be rocked about its pivot I50 by a link I5I driven by a crank pin I52 on the start-stop shaft In the operation of the mechanism, the pawls I24 and I25 act in the manner of an escapement to insure termination of the cycle in the event that the operator holds a. key depressed for an abnormal length of time. Moreover, after a cycle has been initiated, the locking bar I 30 serves to prevent the operation of a second key before the termination of the cycle since it is shifted so as to carry its notches I3I out of alinement with the lugs I32 of the segment III. Further, the operated flag and its associated segment cannot be returned to normal position until the selective operation has been completed.

The construction above described renders the selective mechanism and the control mechanism independent to a large extent of the manner in which the keys are operated. Full depression of the keyis unnecessary for accurate operation since the inertia of a flag and its segment is sufllcient to carry the flag through a full operative stroke when the key is struck a sharp or glancing blow. Moreover, the load imposed on the keyboard is reduced to a minimum since the force applied to the key is utilized solely to shift the flag and swing the associated segment. The tripping oi the clutch is effected in a simple mechanism of novel and advantageous construction which is capable of functioning accurately when operated at the highest speed attainable by a skilled operator. The mechanism is to a large extent independent of the manner in which the keys are struck and is adapted to execute an operating cycle regardless of whether a key is slowly depressed or struck a quick; sharp blow. Proper selective action is insured since the control element which initiates the operating cycle is locked in operated position and operation of a second key prior to the completion of the cycle is prevented. Theoperation is positively limited to a single cycle in response to each key actuation even though such key be held either fully or partially depressedfor an abnormal length of time. Further, the force required toactuate the keys is reduced to a minimum, thereby materially lightening the touch of the keyboard and facilitating operation at high speed.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a permutation keyboard mechanism, in combination, a group of permutation bars adapted to be released in permutational combinations to efiect selective operations, a plurality of control members including flags supported for endwise movement transversely of said permuta tion bars, the flags of said members when operated being eiiective to release particular combinations of the permutation bars, spring means acting on said members to hold the flags out of controlling relation to the permutation bars, a key individual toeach control member, and means providing an operative connection between each key and its associated control member whereby the inertia of the member is effective to.

carry it through a full stroke against the action of said spring means when-the key is struck a quick sharp blow.

2. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation elements, a plurality of manually operable key levers, a pivoted control member for each key lever, said control member having two angularly disposed arms one of which lies substantially parallel to and closely adjacent the key lever, a flag carried on the other arm of said lever for selectively controlling said permutation elements, a lug on the key lever overlying said one arm of the control member effective when the key lever is operated to rock the member on its pivot and move said flag into controlling relation to said permutation elements, said flag being moved through a full strokeby the inertia of the member when the associated key is struck a glancing blow.

3. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation elements, a plurality of manually operable key levers, a shiftable control member for each key lever including a flag adapted to control said permutation elements selectively, means providing a one-way connection between the key lever and its associ ated control member to render the key lever effective when operated to move the flag of the member into controlling relation to said permutation elements, and means for temporarily hold ing said control member in operated position after the key is released and restored to normal position to insure proper operation of said permutation elements when the key is struck a glancing blow.

relation to said permutation elements, and

means for holding said control member in operated position after the key lever is released and restored to normal position.

5. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in-

combination, a series of permutation bars, a plurality of manually operable keys, 9. shiftable control member for each key including a iiag adapted to control said permutation bars selec- I tively, means providing an operative connection between a key and its associated control member whereby the flag of the member may be moved to operated position to control the permutation bars when the key is depressed, a control bar disposed transversely of said members and adapted to be shifted relative thereto to block movement of the flags into operated position, spring means tending to shift said control bar into blocking position, a latch normally effective to hold the control bar in retracted position against the action of said spring means, latch tripping means eifective when operated to release said control bar for movement into blocking position, and means actuated by the-movement of one flag into position to control the permutation bars for operating said latch tripping means whereby to prevent the movement of any other flag into controlling position.

6. In a keyboard-controlled selector mechanism, in combination, a "series of permutation bars, a plurality of movable control members operatively associated with said permutation'bars for selectively controlling the same, a key individual to each control member and having a one way connection therewith adapted when the key is operated to move the member into controlling relation to said permutation bars, a looking bar having a series of slots normally posi-' tioned to provide passages for said control members when the latter are moved by the keys, and means operated in response to the movement of any one-of said members into controlling position for shifting said locking bar relative to the control members to withdraw the slots from the paths of said members and thereby prevent operation of a second control member.

'7. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, permutation selecting mechanism, a keyboard having a plurality of manually operable keys, a control member individual to each key and operable thereby, permutation bars selectively controlled by said members to effect selective operations, a

pivoted member operatively associated with each control member and adapted to be rocked about its pivot as an incident to the operation of a key and its associated control member, a locking bar adapted to cooperate with said pivoted members to prevent the operation of more than one of said keys at a time, and means operated in response to the rocking of any one of said pivoted members into operated position for shifting said locking bar into operative relation with said pivoted members. i

8. In a keyboard-controlled selector mechaoperate with the flag to retain the same in said predetermined position, and to prevent the operation of a second pivoted member, and means for initiating the operation of said power means subsequent to the operation of said common member.

9. In a permutation selector mechanism, in

combination, a series of permutation bars, means for holding said bars in an inoperative position, a plurality of control members associated with said permutation bars, manually operable means .for moving said control member's individually into controlling relation to said permutation bars, said members having means for selectively blocking certain bars against movement from said inoperative position and for releasing other of said bars for movement from inoperative position to .efiect a selecting operation, cyclically operable power driven means for said mechanism, and means actuated by the movement of the control members into operated position for initiating an operating cycle of said power driven means.

10. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, having a cyclically operated shaft, in combination, a clutch for driving the shaft, a detent normally holding said clutch disengaged, a permutation selector mechanism, manually operable keys for controlling said selector mechanism, a control her operative to withdraw said detent .alnd'thereby effect engagement of said clutch, spring means tending to operate said control bar, a latch normally holding said control bar against operation by said spring means, and means operated in response to the actuation of any one of said keys for withdrawing said latchto release said control bar and thereby initiate an operating cycle of the shaft.

11. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a cyclically operated shaft, a clutch for driving said shaft, means normally holding said clutch disengaged, a spring actuated control bar efiective when operated totrip said clutch to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, means operated by said shaft for'retracting said control bar against the action of its spring, a latch for holding the control bar in said retracted position, and key-controlled means for'disengaging said latch to release said control bar for operation by its spring and thereby initiate an operating cycle of said shaft. I I

12. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, a plurality of control members associated with said permutation bars, manually operable keys for,

moving said members individually into controlling relation to said permutation bars to selectively control the same, a cyclically operable shaft for the mechanism, a clutch for driving said shaft,

' spring to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft.

said control bar having means eflective when the bar is operated to hold said control member in controlling position for a predetermined portion of the operating cycle.

13. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, a pinrality of control members associated with said permutation bars, manually operable keys for moving said members individually into controlling relation to said permutation bars to selectively control the same, a cyclically operable shaft for the mechanism, a clutch for driving said, shaft, means normally holding said clutch disengaged, a spring actuated control bar. adapted when operated to trip said clutch, and means responsive to the movement of a control member into controlling relation to said permutation bars for releasing said control bar for operation by its spring to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, said control bar having means effective when the bar is operated to prevent movement of a second control member into controlling position during said operating cycle.

14. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a cyclically operable shaft, power driven means for operating said shaft, a stop element movable into a stop position to prevent operation of said shaft, means tending to move said element out of stop position, a detent operative to hold the element in said stop position, means for withdrawing said detent to release said element for movement out of stop position and thereby initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, and means operated by said shaft for returning said element to stop position to interrupt the operation of the shaft upon completion of its operating cycle.

15. In a power actuated device, in combination, a shaft to be driven, a clutch including a driving member and a driven member, a clutch operating member on said shaft, a spring yieldably connecting said operating member to said' shaft for rotation with the shaft, said operating member acting to move one clutch member into driving engagement with the other clutch member, a stop member adapted to be moved into an operative position to interrupt the rotation of said operating member and to tension said spring whereby the clutch members are moved out of engagement, means opeated by said spring when tensioned tending to move said stop member out of operative position, a detent adapted to hold said stop member in operative position, and means for withdrawingsaid detent to release said stop member to the action of said spring.

16. In a keyboard-controlled machine, in combination, a permutation selector mechanism, a start-stop shaft adapted in one revolution to actuate said mechanism to effect a selective op-. eration, a clutch for driving said shaft having coacting driving and driven members, an arm rotatable with the driven member and adapted when blocked against movement to disengage said clutch and hold said shaft against movement and when released to engage the clutch and permit the shaft to be driven, a keyboard controlling the selective operation of said mechanism, a stop movable into and out of position to block said arm, means tending to move said stop out of blocking position, a detent operative to hold the stop in blocking position, a control member, latch means normally holding said control member in an inoperative position, means operated upon the depression of any one of the keys of said keyboard for releasing said latch to permit the control member to move to operated position, and means operated by the control member in such movement for withdrawing said detent to permit the movement of said stop out of blocking position.

17. In a keyboard-controlled machine, in com- .bination, a permutation selector mechanism, a

start-stop shaft adapted in one revolution to actuate said mechanism to effect a selective operation, a clutch for driving said shaft having coacting driving. and driven members, an arm rotatable with the driven member and adapted when blocked against movement to disengage said clutch and hold said shaft against movement and when released to engage the clutch and permit the shaft to be driven, a keyboard controlling the selective operation of said mechanism, a stop movable into and out of position to block said arm, means operative to hold said stop in blocking position, a control member adapted to be moved by spring means to render said holding means ineffective, means operated by said startstop shaft to retract said member, a detent interposed in the path of said member and nore mally effective to hold the member in a retracted position, means actuated upon the operation of any one of the keys of said keyboard for withdrawing said detent to permit movement of said control member, anda second detent normally disposed out of the path of said control member but adapted to be moved into said path upon the withdrawal of said first detent, said second detent being positioned in advance of said first detent so as to engage said control member when subsequently retracted and to retain the member inretracted position in the event that said first detent is held in withdrawn position for a prolonged interval.

18. In a cyclically operated keyboard-com trolled machine, in combination, a clutch including a driving member and a driven member, a stop member positioned to block said driven member against rotation, a spring incorporated in said, clutch tending to move said stop member out of blocking position to permit rotation of the driven member by said driving member, a' detent operative to hold said stop member in blocking position against the action of said spring, keycontrolled means for withdrawing said detent to initiate rotation of said driven member through an operating cycle, means for returning said stop member to blocking position to interruptv the rotation of said driven member, and means for tensioning said spring incident to the'interruption of the rotation of said driven member.

19. In 'a cyclically operated keyboard-controlled machine, in combination, a clutch including a driving member and a driven member, a stop member positioned to block said driven memberagainst rotation, a spring tending to move said stop member out of blocking position to permit rotation of the driven member by said driving member, a detent operative to hold said stop member in blocking position against'the action of said spring, key-controlled means for withdrawing said detent to initiate rotation of said driven member through an operating cycle, means operated by said driven member for returning said stop member to blocking position to interrupt the rotation of the driven member and thereby terminate an operating cycle, and means operated as an incident to the interruption of the rotation of said driven member in one cycle for conditioning said spring for action in the succeeding cycle. -20; In apower actuated mechanism, a shaft,

- in said one position and means actuated by the tension of said spring upon the release of said detent for withdrawing said stop means to free said driven member for rotation.

21. In a keyboard-controlled machine, in combination, a friction clutch comprising a driving element, a driven element having a shaft extending axially through said driving element, a member having a screw threaded engagement with said shaft and operative when rotated in one direction relative to the shaft to shift saiddriving element axially into driving engagement with said driven member, a spring normally tending to turn said member in a direction to effect a driving engagement between said elements, an arm rigid with said member, a stop movable into and out of blocking relation to said arm, said stop having an inclinedsurface engageable by said arm whereby the arm tends to shift said stop out of its path due to the force exerted by said spring,

and a releasable detent for holding said stop in blocking position against the action of said spring.

22. In a keyboard-controlled machine, in combination, a friction clutch comprising a driving element, a driven element having a shaft extending axially through said driving element, a member having a screw threaded engagement with said shaft and operative when rotated in one direction relative to the shaft to shift said driving element axially into drivingengagement with said driven member, a spring normally tending to turn said member in a direction to effect a driving engagement between said elements,- an arm rigid with said member, a stop movable into and out of blocking relation to said arm, said stop having an inclined surface engageable by said arm whereby the arm tends to shift said stop out of its path due to the force exerted by said spring, a detent for holding said stop in blocking position, means for withdrawing said detent including a control bar, a spring tending to move said bar to a position to withdraw said detent, a latch normally holding said bar in retracted position against the action of said spring, and key-controlled means for releasing said latch.

23. In a keyboard-controlled machine, in combination, a permutation selector mechanism, a start-stop shaft adapted in one revolution to actuate said mechanism for effecting a selective operation, a clutch for driving said shaft having coacting driving and driven members, an arm rotatable with said driven member, spring means securing said arm to said driven member for permitting limited rotation'of the arm relative to the member, said arm acting when blocked against rotation to tension said spring means and to disengage said driving and driven members and thereby stop the shaft, a pivoted member carrying a lug having. an inclined surface adapted to be interposed in the path of said arm and stop said shaft, said; spring means causing said arm to exert pressure on said inclined surface tending to rock the member about its pivot, a detent arranged to prevent the rocking of said member thereby maintaining said lug in the path of said arm, a keyboard controlling the operation of said selector mecha nism, and means operated in response to the actuation of any one of the-keys of the keyboard for releasing said detent to permit said arm to move the lug out of its path and to engage said clutch members for driving the shaft through a revolution.

24. In a cyclically operated power actuated machine, in combination, a selector mechanism including a series of permutation bars, means tending to move said bars from a retracted position into an operative position to effect a selective operation, a detent for holding said bars in said retracted position, actuating means including a clutch having a driving member and a driven member, a spring tending to move one of said clutch members into driving engagement with the other clutch member whereby said driven member is rotated by said driving member, a stop adapted to be operatively associated with said driven member to interrupt the rotation of the member and to disengage said clutch elements, said disengagement acting to increase the tension of said spring, a releasable latch for holding said stop in clutch disengaging position, and means operated by such increased tension of said spring upon release of said latch for moving said stop out of operative engagement with said driven member to permit engagement of the clutch members and for withdrawing said detent to release said permutation bars for movement.

25. In a cyclically operated power actuated machine, in combination, a selector mechanism including a series ofpermutation bars, means tending to move said bars from a retracted position into an operative position to effect a selective operation, a detent for holding said bars in said retracted position, actuating means for said device including a clutch having a driving member and a driven member, a spring tending to move one of said clutch members into driving engagement with the other clutch member whereby said driven member is rotated by said driving member, means for interrupting the rotation of said driven member and for disengaging said clutch members againstthe action of said spring whereby power is stored in said spring, and means operated by the power stored in said spring for withdrawing said detent to release said permutation bars for movement.

26. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a cyclically operable shaft, a clutch for driving said shaft including coacting driving and driven members, an arm rotatable with the driven member, spring means tending to rotate the driven member to effect engagement with the driving member, a stop movable into blocking relation to said arm to interrupt I combination, a series of permutation bars adapted to be set in different permutational combinations to effect a selecting operation, a plurality of control members for said bars each operative to set the bars in a different combination, means for operating said members, a power driven cyclically operable element, means actuated by said element in operating through its cycle for restoring the permutation bars to normal unset positions, a control bar, means tending to move said control bar into operative position, a latch normally effective to hold the control bar in an inoperative position, means for withdrawing said latch to permit movement of the control bar into operative position, and means actuated by the control bar in such movement for initiating an operating cycle of said element.

'28. In a' machine of the class described, in combination, a series of permutation bars adapted to be set in difierent permutational combinations to effect a selecting operation, a plurality of control members for said bars each operative to set the bars in a different combination, a manually operable key individual to each control member for operating the member, a power driven cyclically operable element, means actuated by said element in operating through its cycle for restoring the set .permutation bars to unset position, a control bar, means tending to move said control bar into an operative position, a latch normally efl'ective to hold the control bar in an inoperative position, means actuated by the operation of any one of said keys for withdrawing said latch to permit movement of the control bar to operative position, and means actuated by the control bar in such movement for initiating an operating cycle of said shaft.

29. In. a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a cyclically operable shaft, a clutch for driving said shaft, means normally holding said clutch disengaged, a spring actuated control bar effective when operated to trip said clutch holding means to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, a latch for holding said control bar in a retracted position, means actuated by the depression of one of the keys of said keyboard for disengaging said latch to release said control bar for operation by its spring and thereby initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, means actuated by the shaft for retracting said control bar in said operating cycle, and a second latch operative to hold said control bar in retracted position and thereby to prevent a second operating cycle of the shaft in case said key is held depressed after the first operating cycle is completed.

30. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a cyclically operable shaft, a clutch for driving said shaft, means manually holding said clutch disengaged, a spring actuated control bar effective when operated to trip said clutch to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, a latch for holding said control bar in a retracted position, means actuated by the depression of one of the keys of said keyboard for disengaging said latch to release said control bar for operation by its spring and thereby initiate an operatingcycle of said shaft, means actuated by the shaft for retracting said control bar in said operating cycle, and a second latch operative to hold said control bar in retracted position to prevent a second operating cycle of the shaft incase said key is held depressed after the first operating cycle is completed, the control of said control bar being shifted from said second latch to the first mentioned latch without releasing the bar for operation upon the return of the key to normal position.

31. In a keyboard-controlled device, in combination, a series of manually operable keys, a permutation selector mechanism controlled by said keys, a cyclically operable power driven shaft for actuating said mechanism, a control member adapted to be operated to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft and to be restored to inoperative position in response to the operation of the shaft, and means for limiting the operation of said shaft to a single cycle comprising a pair of key-controlled latches coacting with said control member, one of said latches normally holding the control member in an inoperative position and effective upon depression of a key to release the member for operation, the other of said latches coacting with said member after its restoration to inoperative position and effective to hold the member in such position until said key is released.

32. In a keyboard-controlled device, in combination, a permutation selector mechanism, manually operable keys for selectively controlling the mechanism, a cyclically operable shaft for operating the mechanism, a clutch adapted when engaged to drive said shaft through an operating cycle, said clutch being normally disengaged, and means operative to effect engagement of the clutch comprising, a control bar, spring means tending to move the control bar into clutch engaging position, and a pair of key-controlled latches for controlling the movement of said bar, one of said latches normally operating to hold the bar in retracted position and effective to release the same to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft when a key is depressed, the other of said latches operating to hold the bar in retracted position after the completion of said operating cycle in the event that the key is held depressed.

33. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a plurality of character keys, a code element individual to each key for selecting a character, power driven means operable in cycles for actuating the mechanism, a member normally positioned in blocking relation to said power driven means to prevent its operation, a latch for holding said member in blocking position, means operated by the depression of any one of said keys for withdrawing said latch to permit movement of said member out of blocking position to initiate the operation of the power driven means through a single cycle, means operated by said power driven means for restoring said member to normal position to interrupt the operation of the power driven means on the completion of the operating cycle, and an auxiliary latch adapted to hold said member in blocking position until the depressed key is released.

34. In a keyboard-controlled device, in combination, a permutation selecting mechanism, a plurality of keys, a code element individual to each key adapted to be moved into position for selectively controlling said mechanism upon the depression of the key, power driven means operable in cycles for actuating said mechanism, a stop normally positioned to prevent operation of said power driven means, a latch member operative to hold said stop in normal position, means operated by the depression of any one of said keys for withdrawing said latch member to permit movement of said stop out of normal position thereby initiating the operation of said power driven means through a single operating cycle, means for returning said stop to normal position prior to the completion of said operating cycle, and a second latch member adapted to hold said stop in normal position in the event that the first latch member is held withdrawn by the continued depression of the key after the completion of said operating cycle.

35.In a keyboard-controlled selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, means for holding said bars in an inoperative position, a plurality of control-members associated with said permutation bars, manually operable means for moving said control members individually into controlling relation to said permutation bars to selectively control the movement of the bars from said inoperative position to effeet a selecting operation, and means actuated incident to the movement of a control member into operated position for withdrawing said holding means to release the permutation bars to the control of said member.

36. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, power driven means for moving said bars to inoperative position, manually operable control members adapted when operated to selectively release said permutation bars and thereby effect a selecting operation, and means actuated by the operated control member for initiating the operation or said power driven means.

37. In a permutation selector mechanism having a power driven start-stop shaft and a ciutch adapted to be tripped to initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, a series of permutation bars, aplurality of movable control members, a key individual to each control member and adapted when operated to move the member into controlling relation to said permutation bars to set said bars in dififerent cornbinations means operative under the control of said members to trip said clutch and thereby initiate an operating cycle of said shaft, a bail actuated by said shaft operative to retract said permutation bars, and a detent adapted to engage said permutation bars to hold them in retracted position, said detent being operated as an incident to the tripping of said clutch to release said permutation bars for movement.

38. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, means for holding said bars in an inoperative position, a plurality of control members associated with said permutation bars, manually operable means for moving said control members individually into controlling relation to said permutation bars to block certain of the bars and to release other of the bars for movement selectively from said inoperative position to an operative position to effect a selective operation, power driven means for restoring the operated permutation bars to inoperative position, and means actuated by the movement of the control members into operated position for initiating the operation of said lower driven means and for disabling said holding means.

39. In a keyboard-controlled device, in combination, a series of permutation bars, means supporting said bars for endwise movement,

means tending to move said bars to an operative position, a detent operative to hold said bars in an inoperative position, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, a control member for each key adapted to be'moved into controlling relationship 7 to said permutation bars when the key is operated, a control bar supported adjacent said permutation bars for endwise movement parallel thereto, means tending tomove said control bar to an operative position, a detent operative to hold said control bar in an inoperative position, means actuated by a control member in moving itno controlling relation to said permutation bars for withdrawing the control bar detent to release a plurality of manually operable key levers, a

control member individual. to each key lever and operatively connected thereto, a tension springfor each key lever tending to hold the key lever in an inoperative position, a tension springfor each control member tending to hold the member in an inoperative position and means for independently adjusting the tension of said key lever springs and said control member springs, said adjusting means being operative to vary the tension of all of the springs of one class simultaneously.

41. In a keyboard-controlled mechanisrm'in combination, a series of elements to be set in different permutational combinations, a selector mechanism for said elements including a permutation bar operatively associated with each element, a control bar, means supporting said permutation bars and said control bar for endwise movement, means tending to move said bars into operative position, a start-stop member adapted when operated to retract said bars, a

detent for holding the permutation bars in retracted position, a second detent for holding the control bar in retracted position, a keyboard having a plurality of keys, a control member for each key adapted to, be moved into controlling relation to said permutation bars when the key is operated, means operated in response to the movement of any of said control membersfor withdrawing said second detent to release said control bar for movement to operated position, andmeans operated in response to such movement of the control bar for withdrawing said first detent to release said permutation bars and for initiating the operation of said start-stop shaft.

42. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation elements, a plurality of manually operable key levers, a separate pivoted control member for each key lever having a flag adapted to control said permutation elements selectively, means providing an operative connection between the key lever and its associated control member to render the key lever effective when operated to move the flag of the member into controlling relation to said permutation elements, a spring for each key lever tending to hold the same in an inoperative position, and adjusting means for varying the tension of the springs of all of said key levers simultaneously.

43. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation elements, a plurality of manually operable key levers, a separate pivoted control member for each key lever having a flag adapted to control said permutation elements selectively, means providing an operative connection between the key lever and its associated control member to render the key lever efiective when operated to move the flag of the member into controlling relation to said permutation elements, a spring for each control member tending to hold the member in an inoperative position, and adjusting means for varying the tension of the springs of all of said members simultaneously.

44, In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in

combination, a series of permutation elements, a plurality of manually operable key levers, a pivoted control member for each key lever, said control member having two angularly disposed arms one of which lies substantially parallel to and closely adjacent the key lever, a flag carried on the other arm of said lever for selectively controlling said permutation elements, a lug on the key lever overlying said one arm of the control member effective when the key lever is operated to rock the member on its pivot and move said flag into controlling'relation to said permutation elements, a first group of tension springs including a spring for each key lever tending to hold the same in an inoperative position, a second group of tension springs including a spring for each control member tending to hold the said one arm of the member in engagement with the lug of the .associated key lever, and separate adjusting means for each group of springs operable to vary the tension of all of the springs of the associated group simultaneously.

45. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, a plurality of flags for selectively controlling said bars, means tending to move the bars into operative engagement with the flags, power actuated means for moving said bars to a retracted position, said power actuated means including a spring adapted to be tensioned in each operating cycle of the power actuated means, a first detent for restraining said spring, said detent being withdrawabie under control of said flags, a second detent operative to hold the bars in said retracted position, and means actuated by said springupon withdrawal of said first detent for withdrawing said second detent to release the bars to the control of said flags.

46. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, a plurality of flags for selectively controlling said bars. manually operable keys for moving the flags into controlling relation to said bars, means tending to move the bars into operated position under control of an advanced flag, power actuated means for moving said bars to a retracted position, said power actuated means including aspring, a detent operative to hold the bars in said retracted position, means actuated by said spring for withdrawing said detent to release the bars to the control of said flags, and means controlled by said keys for initiating the operation of said spring actuated means.

47. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, a plurality of flags for selectively controlling said bars, manually operable keys for moving the position, power actuated means for withdrawing said detent, and'means operated by a flag in its movement into controlling relation to said bars for initiating the operation of said power actuated means.

48. In a permutation selector mechanism, in combination, a cyclically operable shaft, a clutch for driving said shaft, a series of permutation bars, said clutch including a spring tensioned in each operating cycle of the shaft, a plurality of flags for selectively controlling said bars, means tending to move said bars into operative engagedetent operative to hold the bars in retracted position, and means operated by said spring actuated means for withdrawing said detent substantially simultaneously with the initiation of the operating cycle of said shaft.

50. In a keyboard-controlled selector mechanism, in combination, a series of permutation bars, a plurality of flags for selectively controlling said bars, a key individual to each flag and having a one way connection therewith operative when the key is actuated for advancing the flag from its normal position into controlling relation to said permutation bars, an upstanding lug formed on each flag, and a common locking member operable in response to the movement of any flag ,to its advanced position for cooperating with the upstanding lug of the advanced flag to retain the flag in advanced position and for cooperating with the lugs of the remaining flags to prevent advance of the second flag until the first mentioned flag has completed its controlling function.

51. In a keyboard-controlled mechanism, in combination, a plurality of manually operable key levers, a pivoted member for operation by each key lever through a stroke of predetermined length, means providing a one-way connection between each key lever and its associated memher for rendering the key effective when operated to rock the member, said connection permitting the inertia of the member to move the same through a full stroke when the key is struck a glancing blow and yet effective to enable the key lever to move the member through its full stroke independently of the inertia of the member.

BROOKS MARCELLUS. 

